cruise control and horn - how are they connected?

[reeko]

Howdy. The cruise control buttons (on the steering wheel) of my 1999 explorer sport have been chewed up by the previous owner's dog.

So, I removed the buttons all together, only to find that my horn isn't working. I looked in there again and noticed a ground cable coming off the left button's harness, I screwed it on to metal thinking that was the issue, but still, no horn.

After doing some research, I have learned the cruise control module and the horn share a circuit. My question: is there any way to rig the wiring such that the horn will work without the cruise buttons connected? I am comfortable with cutting it up and soldering something up, just don't know what to do.

Thanks!

 

[elevatorguy925]

I would check the horn, horn relay and power. The horn button provides ground to the horn relay.
My horns had quit and it was the horn itself. You may have a open ground to the horn button in your case.

 

[reeko]

horn works fine when the cruise control buttons are plugged in.. I am just wondering why its not getting power when the buttons are unplugged

 

[2000StreetRod]

power path

Below is the wiring diagram for the horn circuit.

Apparently, you've lost the normal path to power and the horn is getting power from the 1 K ohm resistor that connects to the speed control servo (not shown in the diagram). Since the horn still works then fuse 10 is not blown. Either the sliding contact for the horn is damaged breaking the electrical path or the wire from the sliding contact to the redundant horn switches is broken. I suggest checking that wiring.

 

[My96Exploder]

I also have a 1999 Explorer.
The cruise control button look like the melted away. All 4 mounting tabs are broken off as well. Real nasty looking.
I cleaned the gunk off from each of them and they work fine.

I order a used set off E-Bay. They look to be in excellent condition.
I disconnected the battery and removed the air bag and old switch sets.
I installed the replacement set of switches.
Re-installed the air bag .
When I went to reconnect the battery the horn blew.
The problem appeared to be that when I would tighten down the second bolt that hold the air bag it would complete the horn circuit. If I backed it off, it would stop sounding.
I left the 1 bolt out and took it for a test drive. The cruise did not turn on. The strange thing was that if I pressed the OFF button on the cruise control, the horn would sound.

The seller is sending me a replacement On/OFF switch to see if that solves the problem.

Any ideas??

 

[2000StreetRod]

wiring

Are you sure you have the correct wires connected to the switches? I suspect the sliding contact that is connected to ground is getting connected to the sliding contact connected to the horn relay thru the cruise control ON/OFF switch.

 

[My96Exploder]

View attachment 88113
Are you sure you have the correct wires connected to the switches? I suspect the sliding contact that is connected to ground is getting connected to the sliding contact connected to the horn relay thru the cruise control ON/OFF switch.

I never moved the wires.
Just removed the switches and replaced with the newer ones.
Not being keyed, could I have inverted it 180 degrees?
Looked correct, somewhat molded in position.

 

[Robman]

I just replaced some bulbs in the cruise switches and dash on 2 of my explorers, when I was using needlenose pliers to get the cable connector off of the cruise button, the horn would toot everytime I grasped the connector with the pliers on one of the exs. Horn works and so does the cruise so I'm not worrying about it, heh.

(it was the cruise on/off switch side)

 

[My96Exploder]

I just replaced some bulbs in the cruise switches and dash on 2 of my explorers, when I was using needlenose pliers to get the cable connector off of the cruise button, the horn would toot everytime I grasped the connector with the pliers on one of the exs. Horn works and so does the cruise so I'm not worrying about it, heh.

(it was the cruise on/off switch side)

That is the side that I am having trouble with.
Will have time to do a little more trouble shooting tomorrow.
I plan on putting the original switches back in. Even though they look they they went though a nuclear melt down, they still work.

 

[Robman]

That is the side that I am having trouble with.
Will have time to do a little more trouble shooting tomorrow.
I plan on putting the original switches back in. Even though they look they they went though a nuclear melt down, they still work.

I went to the scrap yard long ago and snatched up a whole bunch of the switches. I have about 15 of them and more than half the bulbs were already burned out in them, lol. Taking the top cover off usually snapped the 2 little tabs inside that hold the cover on but most of the time the snug fit around the edge is enough to hold them tight.

The connectors to the switches in my experience are a pain in the arse to get off. I've found that a quick strong motion with the needlenose works well. If any of the wires become unseated, just poke them back down with a small slot screwdriver.